Fil-Am student earns wrestling scholarship to prestigious academy

Northview High School senior Marcus Tolentino has earned a full-ride wrestling scholarship to the United States Merchant Marine Academy, thanks to his hard work and dedication. Tolentino has been on the varsity wrestling team all four years at Northview and has qualified for State three times. CONTRIBUTED

COVINA, Calif. – As a child, Marcus Tolentino kept his parents on their toes with his boundless energy. His parents, Antonio and Cristine Tolentino, introduced him to wrestling in seventh grade to help channel his energy, igniting an instant passion for the sport in the process.

Now a senior at Northview High School in the Covina-Valley Unified School District, Tolentino’s passion and hard work have earned him a full-ride wrestling scholarship to the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA).

USMMA is one of the five United States service academies and trains future officers for the Merchant Marine, branches of the military and the transportation industry. Out of 2,000 qualified applicants, only 200 were granted a scholarship to the school.

“Receiving this scholarship is what my parents and I have been dreaming of for years,” Tolentino said. “All the hard work and dedication I’ve put in both inside the classroom and in the wrestling room have finally paid off and I’m just so grateful!”

In his freshman year at USMMA, Tolentino will begin working toward his bachelor of science degree in systems engineering. He said that he also looks forward to becoming a certified emergency medical technician and going through the academy’s firefighter program.

During his sophomore and junior years, Tolentino will gain hands-on experience working on a cargo ship as a merchant marine, where he will travel to 36 different countries in a span of 18 months, earning money for his work and juggling academics at the same time.

While on the cargo ship, Tolentino will continue practicing wrestling and will return to the mainland for school tournaments.

Tolentino is looking forward to learning more about all the options available to him after graduating from USMMA and is especially interested in either joining the Air Force or becoming a merchant marine.

“It’s definitely going to be a busy time, but I’m so excited,” Tolentino said. “Wrestling is my favorite thing in the whole world, and I’ve loved every step of my wrestling journey and seeing all the paths it’s opened up for me.”

Tolentino has been on the varsity wrestling team at Northview High all four years and has qualified for the elite California Interscholastic Federation State Championships three times. In his time at Northview, Tolentino has also enjoyed being part of the Associated Student Body and the school’s arts program, where he gained unique skills in animation and photography.

“Marcus is a remarkable example of what dedication and perseverance can achieve,” Covina-Valley USD Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Eminhizer said. “He not only excels in wrestling but has also demonstrated leadership and high achievement inside the classroom throughout his time at Northview. The United States Merchant Marine Academy is gaining an exceptional student, and we’re thrilled to have been part of his journey.”

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